Colonial Cartagena’s historic centre is a romantic maze of narrow cobbled roads, colourful façades and bougainvillea covered balconies with church spires reaching for the sky at every turn. Down one such pretty thoroughfare is Casa Cochera del Gobernador, housed within one of the city’s oldest buildings dating back to the 16th century.

Surprisingly large inside, reminders of its past are everywhere. Balustrades, courtyards and halls are very much part of the charming boutique hotel it is today; every element of which has been restored and updated to exceptional standards of quality. Equal care has been taken with the fashionably vintage, French-inspired décor, as demonstrated in the hotel’s salon and two suites where private functions often take place.

Each guest room is an incredibly serene space of neutral colour and natural materials with soft lighting that positively encourages deep sleep. WiFi sweeps through them all, LCD TVs provide in-room entertainment and well-needed air-con maintains constant comfort. Up on the rooftop is a Jacuzzi, plus several sun beds.

After a breakfast of fresh fruit, eggs, arepas (corn bread) and Colombian coffee, the rooftop is a lovely spot to take stock and chill with a cocktail or two. Fresh fruit and juices are available all day and Casa Cochera’s San Blas Bar & Terrace serves the freshest fish, salads, small entrées and light dinners.

Many of the restaurants Cartagena has become famous for are within walking distance but if you wish to explore a little further, ask a member of staff about a day trip to the Rosario Islands for a day of beachy bliss.

The wait is finally over. Two years of renovation and Hotel Stein is now open in all its artful glory.

An inn has stood on this site beside Salzburg’s Salzach River since the Middle Ages, minutes from the city’s main attractions. And in homage to Salzburg’s Venetian architecture (the city was designed by a Venetian architect in the 16th century), Hotel Stein reflects elements of this intricate, Gothic style with displays of bold Venetian glass chandeliers and lamps by Barovier&Toso, and dressed its rooms in textiles by Rubelli.

In contemporary contrast, modern-retro furnishings and large-scale artworks by Austrian artist Brigitte Kowanz, Austrian photographer Luigi Caputo and German photographer Axel Hütte create an entirely new and refreshing style. Bright primary colours, wooden flooring and spacious bathrooms are common features in all the guest rooms. But only the Honeymoon Suite has an incredible (and protected) stucco ceiling.

Guests staying in suites may take breakfast on the rooftop terrace, which leads out from the fine-dining Seven Senses restaurant. The view from here takes in all of Salzburg and the dishes are a showcase of modern “soul food”.

Down on the ground floor, Hotel Stein’s Green Vanilla bakery/eatery/food market promotes healthy snacks and smoothies alongside just-baked breads and pastries. All of which complements time spent in the small spa (relaxation area, sauna, gym) just perfectly.

The four-bedroom, five-bathroom ISHQ Villa was one of the first luxury villas built on this sandy stretch of Sri Lankan south-west shoreline in the 1990s. Bruce Fell-Smith, Australian architect and humanitarian, designed its bright, open spaces, all of which are centred around a courtyard pool.

Large whitewashed walls, colonnades and high ceilings lend a grand quality to the villa, whilst cushiony chairs and creature comforts (king-size beds, high-speed WiFi, unlimited film and music streaming, board games, consoles) make it feel like a home. But essentially, ISHQ Villa is a mini-hotel with the ability to accommodate up to 12 people at one time.

When you hire the villa, the team of personal butlers and a private chef take care of everything for you. Be it a picnic on the beach, high tea, a South Asian cooking class, trips to nearby Galle or activities for the children; they’re here to grant any wish.

A small gym, where personal training sessions can take place, is located on the villa’s mezzanine next to a designated yoga space and meeting room/cinema lounge. On the front lawn a turfed platform is all yours to drive bio-degradable golf balls into the Indian Ocean beyond. And nearby, there are ancient temples, paddy fields and diving sites to explore.

As the leaders in luxury serviced apartments, Cheval Residences present the award-winning Cheval Three Quays residence. Located within London’s Square Mile, beside the Tower of London and overlooking the River Thames, Tower Bridge and City Hall, Cheval Three Quays is making waves.

A great base for exploring The City of London’s ancient history and landmarks, it’s also ideal for discovering the copious attractions and exhibitions of the South Bank. Cheval Three Quays’ studios, penthouses, one, two, three and expansive four-bedroom interconnecting apartments are suitable for both short and extended stays, for business or pleasure. Each one is a celebration of cutting-edge interior design with clever lighting, modern furnishings, clean lines and geometric shapes.

Original artworks by Barnaby Gorton and an elegant water feature by the renowned William Pye add an artistic grace to the residence. At the heart of Cheval Three Quays lies exceptional quality and service, from the highest quality fully-fitted kitchens, Sky TV and on-site gym, to the daily housekeeping and 24-hour concierge service.

Those who prefer to simply relax can enjoy the café and restaurant facilities on the ground floor but getting around couldn’t be easier with Tower Hill Underground Station just minutes away and the Thames Clipper at Cheval Three Quays providing transport along the river from Greenwich and The O2 arena to Putney and Chelsea Harbour.

A wondrous world of its own, Iberostar Grand El Mirador is a self-contained beach-side resort in Tenerife’s upmarket south-west coast. If it wasn’t for the five golf courses nearby and tempting golden sand of Playa del Duque laid out before you, you’d never leave this palatial kingdom’s walls of luxy grandeur.

There are no bedrooms here but 124 suites ranging from junior suites with living rooms and balconies to the sprawling La Balconada Superior Junior Suite. The latter is one of 13 suites with access to the exclusive La Balconada’s private pool and sun terrace.

However, there’s an endless number of quiet corners throughout Iberostar Grand El Mirador’s grounds for sunbathing and/or unwinding. The spa for one, where a large circuit features a hydrodynamic pool and whirlpool bath. And for those who prefer retail therapy, El Mirador has its very own shopping centre of boutiques.

There are also three restaurants and two bars on-site (B&B, half board and room only rates are all available). Sea views accompany La Pérgola’s á la carte Mediterranean dishes and tapas while El Mirador restaurant is a showcase of local and international cuisine, buffet style. More local flavours such as Canary Island potatoes and just-caught fish are on the menu at El Cenador. But for a small bite or smoothie there’s the pool-side Las Pardelas Snack Bar and for a cocktail and chill, there’s La Tosca bar.

There’s never a dull moment at Pine Cliffs Resort. Even its red cliff-side setting in the Algarve is a dramatic scene leading to a long, sandy beach.

On the cliff top, the resort is alive with action at the 9-hole golf course and Golf Academy, Annabel Croft Tennis Academy and two health clubs offering classes, personal training sessions, an indoor pool and Technogym equipment. There’s more… water sports, happy little ones in Porto Pirata Children’s Village or the Junior Club for eight to 12 years olds and diners in no less than 10 venues.

Needless to say, Pine Cliffs Resort is sought-after by families, sport lovers and quite frankly, anyone who likes to enjoy themselves. And each room and suite is a relaxing space overlooking the resort and ocean beyond. Amidst all the hubbub is Serenity Spa – The Art of Wellbeing spanning 13 treatment rooms and a couple’s suite: the Aurum Suite.

Experienced therapists practice holistic and modern therapies using a variety of high-end products and natural ingredients unique to the Algarve. Yoga retreats and well-being packages can be tailored such as the Digital Detox that encourages you to “put your phone in a sleeping bag”. To complement each treatment is the Thermal Oasis with hydrotherapy pool, Kneipp pool, steam room, herbal sauna, sauna with Himalayan rock salt, ice fountain, indoor and outdoor relaxation areas, experience showers and outdoor Jacuzzi.

It’s all a far cry from the building’s beginnings as a wealthy merchant’s home in 1800. And a recent renovation has further enhanced The Montenotte into the grand-in-size but boutique-in-style hotel it is now. Beyond the classic Georgian architecture, a colourful, often playful and contemporary grace dresses the public and guest rooms. There’s also a selection of one and two-bedroom serviced apartments with kitchens and dining rooms perfect for longer stays.

All apartments and many guest rooms have city views but the best vistas of Cork’s skyline are seen from Panorama Bistro & Terrace that’s fast becoming a foodie destination in its own right. Open all day, Panorama Bistro & Terrace serves breakfast, bar snacks, afternoon tea, Sunday lunch and an evening à la carte menu from produce supplied locally whenever possible.

Thank goodness for Motion’s health club with Turkish steam bath, sauna, 20-metre pool and fitness centre to burn off all the tasty calories. Plus, The Montenotte’s sunken Victorian garden for a stroll, which was an overgrown, hidden secret until recently discovered by the hotel’s gardener who has restored it to its former glory.

In the coastal town of Delray Beach, Florida, the cool, contemporary Seagate Hotel & Spa is more than an upscale seaside escape; it’s an ode to the ocean. Located a block from the Atlantic, the heady mix of city chic and laid-back beach living was the vision of its avid scuba-diving owners whose passion for all things aquatic has firmly placed The Seagate on the aquarium map.

With not one but five mesmerising aquariums in its lobby, hallway and restaurant, you can eat alongside the fishes, stingrays and sharks in the Atlantic Grille where a 2,500-gallon tank dominates the room. Or take a pew at the trendy bar or outside for a spot of alfresco dining. The Atlantic Grille is also host to live music come the evening.

Days at The Seagate Spa are extremely indulgent with Elemis treatments and a holistic menu. Then there’s Seagate’s private Beach Club located a free shuttle ride away (colonial in style with a touch of Bahamas charm) comprising a pool, an ocean-front bar and two restaurants offering fine dining on the upper level and informal on the lower.

At nine stories tall Anantara Siam Bangkok Hotel is a small-scale high-rise compared to the skyscrapers that surround it. But step inside and an entire universe of cosmopolitan hospitality infused with warm Thai spirit unfolds before you.

Anantara’s world comprises 354 guest rooms and suites, four restaurants, a spa, 24-hour business centre, an Executive Lounge and outdoor pool. Its setting is the heart of the luxury shopping area (seven malls) and culturally significant region (eight shrines) of the Ratchaprasong district, which is also a thriving business hub.

Therefore, Anantara Siam Bangkok Hotel’s guests visit for a variety of reasons and Anantara “gurus” are on-hand to advise how to make the most of all the facilities. For example, booking time at a nearby golf course, arranging tailored excursions, treatments at Anantara Spa, using the business centre’s equipment or choosing where to dine for the evening.

There are four restaurants under Anantara’s roof to choose from: the Italian Biscotti; Madison steakhouse; Japanese Shintaro; and the charming Thai Spice Market. Small bites are also served in the dramatic Lobby, where hand-painted silks and murals adorn the walls, in the informal Mocha and Muffins café or open-air Aqua cocktail lounge.

A gourmet Sunday Brunch buffet – complete with live cooking stations – has become a talked-about highlight at the resort showcasing fresh seafood, salads, Japanese, Indian, Italian, Chinese and Thai dishes, as well as cakes, crêpes and ice-creams.

Despite its proximity to Doha, Banana Island Resort Doha by Anantara feels a million miles from the commotion of the capital. Anticipation of arrival builds as you take the catamaran ferry or a private helicopter (highly recommended for the spectacular aerial view of Doha’s coastline) from downtown. And the reveal of Banana Island Resort Doha by Anantara has you dropping jaw in wonder of man’s ingenuity.

This crescent-shaped island resort has its very own marina, 141 rooms, suites and pool villas, nine dining options, a tennis court, lagoon pool, surf pool (as fun as it sounds), children’s pool, private beach, diving centre, bowling alley and cinema! Banana Island Resort Doha by Anantara is also home to the first over-water villas in the Middle East.

Anantara Spa’s eight spa suites are perched over the water too. And this is where your journey to well-being begins. The treatment menu is an Asian-infused list of holistic therapies and hammam rituals with a nod to Doha’s tribal origins. Facials using saltwater pearls illuminate the skin, 24-carat gold manicures look incredible and ancient Arabic rituals promise to contour and redefine.

Back on land and the state-of-the-art Balance Wellness Centre hosts a team of holistic experts and an Ayurvedic doctor who will create bespoke three to seven-day programmes. Or pre-arranged plans are available focused on relaxation, detoxing, balancing and revitalising.

New for 2018, Bulgari Hotel Shanghai is destined to be a big player on the Shanghai five-star hospitality scene.

With the timeless glamour associated with the Bulgari brand and a commanding bird’s-eye view from the upper eight floors of a 48-storey building, this is a high-rise hotel designed to impress. It’s also part of the ambitious – and prestigious – Suhe Creek redevelopment project, located moments from the Bund and city centre.

However, Bulgari Hotel Shanghai is utterly peaceful, set beside a river, observing the Pudong skyline and bustle of the Bund from above. And each guest room and suite (some of the most spacious in the city) has an uninterrupted view of the bright lights.

Up on the 48th-floor rooftop bar, La Terrazza takes in a 180 of the dazzling spectacle and regularly hosts live music and DJs. The Italian-inspired Il Bar on the 47th floor takes in yet more vistas in addition to Il Ristorante. Fine Italian cuisine created by 3 Michelin Star Chef Niko Romito is the order of the day here. In contrast, modern Cantonese fine dining by 3 Michelin Star Chinese Chef Justin Tan is served in the magnificently restored, turn-of-the-century Shanghai Chamber of Commerce adjacent to the hotel.

But for some truly decadent Bulgari treatment, consider The BVLGARI SPA whose eight therapy rooms are accompanied by vitality pools, a sauna, aroma steam rooms, rainforest showers, a barbers and hair salon. A yoga and Pilates studio, WORKSHOP gym and a half Olympic-sized pool are just some of the extra facilities.

Northern Tuscany’s Forte dei Marmi is a showcase of wealth, style and high fashion lined with upscale boutiques and sandy beaches. In the distance, the Apuan Alps rise and fall whilst the body beautiful parade gracefully along the town’s promenade and famous residents (Andrea Bocelli and Giorgio Armani) soak up the atmosphere. A little set back from the fashion show is the insanely cool Principe Forte dei Marmi.

Both Florence and Pisa are with easy reach from here but Principe Forte dei Marmi is a base for some serious R&R, not touring. (Unless you’re planning a day, week or month’s charter on the Principe’s 72-foot yacht.) All 28 rooms and suites are drenched in natural light, have super-spacious proportions and feature glass walls. Wooden flooring, marble bathrooms and warm creams and tans give the minimalist style a soft edge.

The same level of comfort spills outside to the swimming pool where cushiony, four-poster daybeds can double-up as a treatment areas for massages. But Egoista Spa is where the real spa magic happens, spanning six treatment rooms. Facilities include a mud room, indoor pool, Jacuzzi, Turkish steam bath, ice room and Finnish sauna.

Alternatively, you can pad down to the private Dalmazia Beach Club, hire a gazebo and enjoy a mani-pedi. Dalmazia Beach Club is also the location for a seasonal beach restaurant run by Chef Valentino Cassanelli who is now the proud recipient of a Michelin Star for Principe’s contemporary Tuscan restaurant, Lux Lucis.

Don’t miss: an evening of cocktails, music and vistas at 67 Sky Lounge Bar.

There’s always a special quality about a hotel that was once a home. Case in point: Hotel Busué, a two-storey boutique surprise on Mexico City’s Eugenio Sue Street in the trendy Polanco neighbourhood.

Peaceful and conveniently located for all Polanco’s high-end shops, restaurants, bars and tourist attractions, Busué feels like a friend’s place. One that’s been painstakingly renovated to incorporate original features alongside contemporary and architectural improvements.

Beautiful examples of handcrafted wood, stonemasonry, domed ceilings and tiled flooring are found in every nook and cranny – best described as understated luxury. This is expertly expressed in each of the distinctly different 11 bedrooms where details such as pure white 500-thread count Egyptian cotton sheets dressed with brightly printed throws and cushions, natural stonewashed walls and designer furniture highlight the modern Mexican style. (The avant-garde stakes are raised even higher at the independently-run DIXON terrace bar and fine-dining restaurant located above the hotel.)

But it’s the special services that set Hotel Busué apart such as “handy” phones, which are given to guests upon check-in for the during of their stay. Each one is loaded with suggested tours, local information, maps of the area and credit for calling the US and México. The hotel provides free WiFi so you’re able to log on at any time, at no extra cost.

It’s hard to imagine a more picturesque setting than the one that greets you at Curtain Bluff. Perched on a rocky peninsula straddled by two beautiful beaches, the resort lies at Antigua’s southern tip.

A modern enclave with old world charm and slick, genuine service, it has the feel of a delightful country club – one that nearly three-quarters of guests return to again (and again), often with the children. Youngsters love it here for Curtain Bluff’s CEEBEE Kids Club, which is a full-time camp for three to 12-year-olds offering activities five days a week.

Whether you opt for beach or bluff, all the rooms enjoy a stunning seascape. The décor is simple and stylish with big beds, wicker furniture and wooden accents, while floor-to-ceiling windows, verandas and terraces make the most of the crazy-pretty views.

There’s so much to do here including scuba diving, surfing, water-skiing, tennis and golf; all of which are included in the price. The spa is extra but the pin-drop peaceful setting is worth the cost alone (the treatments are special too).

The food is also a knockout. Take your pick from two restaurants: The Tamarind Tree in a lovely plantation-style setting or The Seagrape set directly on the beach, both accompanied by a 400-strong cellar selected from 10 countries. That’s certainly worth raising a glass to!

The Shore Club on Long Bay is a dedication to the best things in life: time with loved ones; relaxation; contemplation; and adventure.

Brand new to the Turks and Caicos’ luxe hotel scene, it resides alongside a sought-after stretch of Providenciales’ beach prized for its fantastic beauty, seclusion and optimum kite surfing conditions. And the white and turquoise theme, reflected in both the building itself and the interiors, draws the sugary sand and shallow waters of Long Bay Beach on in, through big windows.

Behind these wooden frames are refined, colonial-styled rooms. From the junior suites and three-bedroom penthouses to the butler-serviced private villas, an easy-breezy chic runs through them all. Everyone staying at The Shore Club enjoys free non-motorised water sports’ equipment and bikes.

But those who feel like spoiling themselves should head to The Shore Club’s Dune Spa (maybe while the children are attending the kids’ club). The spa’s three outdoor cabanas take full advantage of the hotel’s ocean-side setting, which is also the case for the casual, poolside Sea Grapes and upscale, alfresco Colonnade.

A striking yellow beam of colonial splendour by day and softly lit beacon of glamour by night, Hotel Charleston Santa Theresa is a strong contender for Cartagena’s best hotel. Beyond its 17th-century façade is an updated, cool and refreshing interior where the marble flooring is as dazzling as the sun is bright on the rooftop.

Guest rooms and suites also feature this glassy marble flooring and marble bathrooms. Categories range from the Standard to the Grand Suites, and as a former convent, each one is a sanctum of peace and quiet. Hotel Charleston Santa Theresa takes its name from the square on which it resides. All around it are colourful colonial buildings and cobblestone streets typical of the historic old town. Plus, it’s just 10 minutes from the Caribbean Sea.

Back inside and the lobby leads you to Harry’s Bar run by Colombian chef, Harry Sasson, whose flair for unusual flavour fusions has established him as a celebrity in Latin America. Upstairs, on the top-floor Terrace, Caribbean dishes are served to a 360-degree view of the old city, new city and Caribbean Sea. (There’s also a solarium and pool up here.) And La Plaza, located in front of the hotel, is perfect for some people-watching with a slice of pizza. But if you’d rather be focusing on yourself, head to the spa with massage pool, Turkish bath and ancient Eastern therapies. Or the relaxing Patio for Colombian coffee, beer and cigarettes.

Italian intellectual and politician Gianfranco Miglio commissioned the construction of the three-bedroom Ronco dell’Abate* in the 1960s. A Lombardy farmhouse-inspired retreat, it’s a little piece of Mediterranean paradise encircled by a botanical garden looking down on Lake Como. And Gianfranco’s haven is every inch as restful and refined as it originally was.

The charming and attentive concierge welcomes you on in and it soon becomes apparent that this is a unique vestige of a bygone era. A lifetime’s collection of antiques from all over the world fill the spacious, light rooms, which uphold the vintage vibe.

Ronco dell’Abate still feels like a home and upstairs the well-stocked library and intimate study is a sanctuary of rare books and pristine period furniture. (The library and study are accessed during set times or by special request.) Here, an antique oval table seats eight. Three bedrooms – including a two-bedroom suite – are also on this floor. Each of which has a study or lounge area and a private terrace with views over the blossoming garden, city of Como and its lake. Tastefully updated, many of their original stylings remain such as gold-leaf wallpaper and parquet flooring.

Outside, the garden provides shady respite on summer days, maybe with a glass of local wine from Ronco dell’Abate’s cellar accompanied by an apéritif. Food and drink are available from 9am to 12pm and 2pm to 7pm, in the garden room, terrace or on tables located near the wood-burning oven, which is a perfect place for get-togethers. The main room with piano is also a lovely spot for social events.

*Ronco dell’Abate will close for a winter break on 1st November 2017, reopening on 28th February 2018.

Istanbul’s historic Sultanahmet district is a wonderfully walkable tourist honeypot of museums, shops, mosques, palaces, churches and ancient houses. And the five-star sanctum of serenity at the heart of it all? Ajwa Hotel Sultanahmet.

A contemporary reimagining of an Ottoman mansion, Ajwa’s corridors are fringed by potted palms and decorative Ottoman-era furniture. These lead to palatially plush guest rooms and suites artistically adorned with exquisite Turkish rugs and handcrafted walnut furnishings. Their Marmara white marble bathrooms also feature tiled patterns inspired by the city’s mosques.

The impressively wood-panelled Sultan Suite is the hotel’s three-room masterpiece, complete with sauna, steam room, Jacuzzi and shower room. However, if it’s an authentic Turkish hammam experience you’re after, head to Ajwa’s Afiya Spa where the mornings and early afternoons are dedicated to treating women followed by men-only late afternoons and evenings.

On the top floor, Zeferan Restaurant looks out to panoramic views across the rooftops of the Old Town and Sea of Marmara. The menu specialises in Azerbaijan cuisine such as traditional salads of fresh greens and juicy pomegranates, fine grilled meats and flaky baklava.

Special services: a 24-hour concierge, 24-hour room service and a fleet of Bentley limousines available to transport you around the city.

Designed by the Palladian-style creator himself, Andrea Palladio’s 16th-century Villa Pisani Bonetti attained UNESCO Heritage status in 1996. From aristocratic home to the fully restored villa it is today, none of its original beauty has been lost, and when staying at the villa’s converted farm building, La Barchessa, a complimentary tour of this architectural/artistic timepiece is included.

Behind the arched porticoes of La Barchessa is a 15-room hotel, restaurant and events venue. All of which has been given new life by Villa Pisani’s artist owner. Each ancient (some medieval) architectural feature has been carefully restored with a contemporary and inventive creativity that’s always luxurious. Four posters, wooden beams and exposed walls maintain the sense of history while the fuss-free décor and contemporary artworks bring matters thoroughly up-to-the-minute.

This is also the case in Osteria del Guà restaurant where traditional Italian cuisine features a fresh twist. The ingredients are always purchased from local farms and picked from Villa Pisani’s kitchen garden to guarantee unprocessed flavours. The entire property is sheltered by a leafy park, which contains a peaceful pool area perfect for relaxing beside when tired from sightseeing nearby Verona, Venice and Lake Garda. And in-room spa treatments can be arranged to give you an energy or indulgence boost.

Wining, dining and relaxing is rarely this good but not surprising considering the natural riches and cinematic-worthy scenery of northern Portugal’s Minho province.

Torre de Gomariz Wine & Spa Hotel spans five acres of this fertile terra firma. A patchwork of vineyards and forest is laid out before it from a medieval Tower and the House of Gomariz containing 10 suites and 12 rooms.

Dating back to the 15th century, the Tower comprises two suites. The top of which can be used for romantic dinners. All the rooms and suites are dressed in natural woods, light greys and have a minimalist disposition. Camelia Suites all have west-facing balconies perfect for watching the sunset; Vitis Rooms have private sun porches. If visiting with the family, the four connecting Castanea Rooms are ideal.

Torre de Gomariz is also home to the Camellia Spa wellness retreat with a heated indoor pool, Jacuzzi, sauna, Turkish bath and treatments such as aromatherapy massages. Floor-to-ceiling windows have been incorporated wherever possible in the spa, allowing you to feel entirely surrounded by the stunning land.

More vineyard vistas are the backdrop for Solar restaurant, which is a showcase of regional produce paired with wines from Torre de Gomariz’s vineyard. The Wine Bar in the former granary and cool Tower Bar serve the estate’s wines and host wine tasting sessions.

Vintage-cool and super smart, the all-new *Lygon Arms Hotel in Broadway gets every detail just right. Ever-evolving (an inn has been here since the 1300s) and constantly improving.

The recent makeover to The Lygon Arms has heightened its inherent Cotswold charm to provide a boutique hotel full of character with an element of whimsy. From the Cosy Rooms to Master Suites in both the old house and new wing, you’ll find vestiges of the past (wooden beams, panelled doors, stone-framed windows). Fine fabrics, original art and glossy white tiled bathrooms are common to all. Some Deluxe Rooms lead to private landscaped terraces. Junior Suites feature a double bedroom and double sofa bed ideal for family stays.

In the vaulted Lygon Bar & Grill, seasonal British dishes are paired perfectly with artisan wines. And there are no less than seven Lygon Lounges for taking afternoon tea, enjoying a cocktail, sandwich, burger and/or brunch. Italian favourites are served alongside The Lygon Wine Bar’s Italian and European wines, which may be purchased in the Boutique. All the while, the Cocktail Bar mixes and shakes up alternative fruity concoctions.

Healthier pastimes include treatments in the new spa with indoor pool covered by a retractable roof, a sauna, steam room, gym and the wholesome Spa Kitchen and Bar. All of which is encased by three acres of divine Cotswold greenery.